Archive for July 11th, 2007

I just came back from a preview screening of Ken Burns‘s upcoming WWII documentary for PBS. They did it at the Los Angeles VA. Man, I’d never seen so many Members Only jackets worn unironically and by their original owners; it was great. The preview was good, too. The seven-part series will air beginning Sept. 23. I would say “check local listings”, but I should probably say “make sure to TiVo”.

Anyway, I just want to thank everyone again for all your kind words about this blog. It’s really fun to write and it’s definitely revived my passion for tennis. New visitors drop by everyday. (Keep coming back!) And I’m always looking to hear from you all, so comment or e-mail me if you have anything on your mind.

Historic tennis figures: It’s time to recognize our veterans in the tennis world. Here’s a list of the sport’s most influential as determined by HOFMAG.com. It’s a good mix of the usual suspects (the Williams sisters, Arthur Ashe, Jimmy Connors) and the obscure (Herman Davis, Lamar Hunt, Gladys Heldman).

Does Masha deserve a spot?: The Russian Fed Cup camp is seething over Maria Sharapova‘s withdrawal from this weekend’s tie. We know she has a valid reason (shoulder injury), but others are accusing her of “limping” her way into a spot in next year’s Russian Olympic tennis team. What’s your take? Tell us. (Reuters)

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With barely a break in between the grass and hardcourt seasons (the grass at Wimbledon hasn’t even grown back yet!) we turn to what fashion is in store for us this summer.

Nike has positioned itself for the months leading up to the U.S. Open by designing a fall ’07 Heritage Collection inspired by their men’s fashion darling, Roger Federer.

The Federer crest has changed from the lion to Lady Liberty. The three crowns (symbolizing his three Open titles) stay the same.

At Flushing Meadows, the site of the U.S. Open, Federer’s kit will likely include the Argon (royal blue) polo pictured above or something in a similar style. The Heritage collection also includes a track jacket in Obsidian (navy blue), a return of the reversible plaid shorts but with in Argon instead of Obsidian, and a cool Lady Liberty/Federer/NYC t-shirt. See it up close here.

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Designer Paul Smith dipped into sports this year with some specialty soccer balls and a collection for the Tour de France.

Next year he should think about designing something for Roland Garros. Why should Fred Perry have all the fun, right? I’d recommend Wimbledon, but I think those two weeks in London are already saturated with fashion buzz…

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Do you ever wonder how Maria Sharapova ends up endorsing products such as TAG Heuer, Motorola, Canon? The process seems pretty simple. Companies seek out celebrities who they think best represent their brand.

But how do they know who to consider? That’s where players’ agents come in. Here’s an ad by IMGselling Masha’s star power.

(Sports Business Journal)

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Before you croak…: Of the 101 things ESPN.com suggests that all sports fans must experience before they die, three tennis events made the list: Wimbledon (No. 9), the U.S. Open (No. 30), and — to Collette Lewis‘ surprise — the USTA boys tennis championship (No. 71) in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Venus’ significant win: I wish more headlines reminded us that Venus was the first recipient of prize money at Wimbledon. And kudos to her for thanking Billie Jean King during the trophy ceremony.

Chasing Borg: Speaking of past champion in the stands, Bjorn Borg made a long-awaited appearance at this year’s tournament to bid farewell to one of his few remaining records. But even before Roger Federer was chasing the record of five Wimbledon titles, another man was after the Swede. Here’s a journalist’s recount of how he nabbed Borg’s first post-retirement interview, a task that took him all the way to Kathmandu.

On watching old tennis matches:James Fallows of The Atlanticweighs in on watching classic tennis matches. Perhaps this is what broadcasters use to justify tape-delaying all those matches during the second week.